Nazene Danielle School of Performing Arts

Inspection report for early years provision

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148471 Unique Reference Number 06 February 2008 Inspection date Sheena Bankier Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 1998. She lives with her husband and grown up child in Earley, near Reading. The childminder is registered to care for six children at any one time and is currently minding 5 children, all of whom attend on a part time basis. The ground floor of the house is mainly used for childminding with access to upstairs for toilet facilities. There is a fully enclosed garden for outdoor play. The childminder walks to the local schools to take and collect children. She attends the local toddler group and takes children to the local library and park.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children are cared for in a clean and hygienic environment. The childminder has good systems in place to prevent cross-infection, such as individual hand drying and nappy changing procedures. Children learn about good hygiene through being reminded to cover their mouths when coughing and have regular hand washing routines. This ensures children's good health.

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Helping children to be healthy

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The childminder obtains information from parents about children's health needs, for example, allergies and medical conditions. Records are made of these which enable her to provide appropriate care for children's individual health needs. The childminder holds a first aid certificate and ensures her first aid kit is suitable by checking the contents of it. Therefore children's minor accidents and injuries are treated appropriately. Accidents are recorded and parents are informed of these. Consent to seek emergency treatment has been obtained. This promotes children's good health and well-being.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children benefit from daily fresh air as they walk to and from school. They visit the park and use the garden with a variety of equipment which supports and develops their physical skills. Children dance indoors which enables them to be physically active inside as well as outdoors. The childminder enhances children’s understanding of the importance of being healthy through physical activity and eating well through discussions. This develops and supports the children's understanding of a healthy lifestyle. Younger children's needs for sleep and rest are accommodated well. The childminder ensures children rest and sleep to meet their individual needs.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder provides healthy snacks of mostly raisins and plain biscuits for children. Although these are healthy options the snacks lack variety. Parents provide meals for their children and the childminder ensures these are suitably stored, for example, in the fridge. Children eat together which develops their social skills. Drinks are available at all times to children to help themselves to. This enables children to meet their own needs for fluid intake.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. Children's safety is very well considered and the childminder gives a high priority to ensuring the children's safety. Suitable safety equipment is in place, for example, a safety gate, fire guard and socket covers. The childminder has ensured dangerous items, such as cleaning products and sharp knives are inaccessible to children. Children are closely supervised at all times both in and out of doors. Children learn about keeping themselves safe through practising road safety rules with the childminder. The childminder supports their understanding of safety through discussions, such as stranger danger. Fire safety equipment is in place and smoke alarms are checked regularly and an evacuation procedure is in place. The childminder has ensured the older children understand and are confident in the procedure. As a result children's safety is promoted well.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

A warm and homely environment is provided to children. They feel relaxed and at ease in the childminder’s home. Children have storage boxes in which to keep their belongings which provides a sense of belonging. A good range of toys and equipment are in place to meet the needs of the children attending. These are maintained in good clean condition through regular checks and cleaning. This ensures they remain in good condition for the children to use.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The childminder has a sound knowledge and understanding of child protection, including the signs and symptoms of abuse. She understands how to manage any concerns which may arise and has up to date safeguarding information to refer to. This enables her to effectively safeguard children in her care.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are happy and settled in the childminder's care. They enjoy and benefit from the childminder's caring and warm interaction. Very good relationships are in place between the children and with the childminder. The childminder offers a good variety of free-play, activities and outings to the children which support their progress and development well. Children are able to initiate their own play and ideas as resources are readily available.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The childminder provides good support to the pre-school aged children's development, such as counting and observing colours and shapes with them. Everyday experiences are used, for example, whilst shopping counting apples into a bag. She asks questions to encourage the children's thinking skills and makes observations with them to widen their knowledge and understanding.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children use their imaginations and creativity as they enjoy gluing and sticking and painting activities. They play imaginative games with dolls and play food and the childminder joins in playing pretend games, such as 'going on a picnic'. Small world toys, for example, a train set, toy microwave and toy camera provide children with ideas to create imaginary experiences and also to re-create real experiences. Children enjoy reading books with the childminder which encourages and develops their language skills and their understanding of the world around them, such as farm animals.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

Children regularly attend toddler group where they are able to access different activities and toys and enjoy singing together. This enables children to meet other adults and children in a safe environment. The childminder also regularly meets up with other childminders and children. These outings support and extend children's social skills.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The older children benefit and enjoy from a wide range of activities and play before and after school and in the holidays. They use their imaginations as they construct with small construction bricks and enjoy socialising with each other as they sit and chat after the school day. Children enjoy being creative as they colour, cook and make clay models.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. Children learn about the wider world through natural play with resources which reflect positive images of society, for example, dolls, play food and books. Children benefit from contact with a range of people different to themselves in the local community. This promotes their acceptance and understanding of other people and their lives.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder knows and understands the children's individual needs well. She observes the children closely and discusses their needs on a daily basis with parents. This provides continuity of care for the children and ensures their individual requirements are met. The childminder has a suitable understanding of how to provide appropriate care to children who have learning difficulties and disabilities.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Children's behaviour is good. The childminder understands appropriate strategies to manage the children's unacceptable behaviour, such as having boundaries and using distraction. Good manners are encouraged by the childminder and the children learn about being responsible, for example, by helping to tidy up. Children learn about managing their own behaviour through

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Helping children make a positive contribution

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 the childminder using books about being polite, respectful and being honest. This supports the children in learning right from wrong. Children develop good levels of self-esteem and confidence as the childminder regularly praises them for their efforts, achievements and good behaviour.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

Good relationships are in place with parents. The childminder exchanges information with parents on a daily basis to ensure she understands their wishes and the children's day to day changing needs. Parents are clear about the service the childminder offers as she provides them with written policies and procedures. The childminder keeps parents well-informed about children's days and activities, for example, she ensures messages are passed on from school. Verbal feedback is provided to all parents and written daily diaries are available for parents. As a result parents receive good information about their children's day and progress.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. The childminder has undertaken the courses in line with the National Standards. She has also undertaken some additional training which enables her to reflect and develop her practice. Children benefit from the childminder's warm care and attention. They are the focus of her time and benefit from individual time with her. A good range of activities and play experiences are provided in and outside of the home. This supports children in their development and ensures they progress well. The home is well organised to provide different areas for play, rest and eating.

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Organisation

All paperwork required by the National Standards is in place and most is maintained well. The attendance register is not always completed promptly which does not ensure an accurate record of attendance is kept. The childminder has additional paperwork in place to the requirements of the National Standards. These support her service and contribute to good practice, such as further consents from parents to apply sun screen and written policies and procedures. This ensures parents have good information about the childminder's service and have a clear understanding about their agreements with her.

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Organisation

The childminder meets the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was given one recommendation in regard to reviewing and updating documentation. This covered gaining written parental permission for outings, administering medication and seeking emergency medical treatment. The childminder was also requested to have documentation to record incidents and to ensure parents regularly sign the attendance register and to devise a written sick child policy. The National Standards does not require the childminder to have a written sick child policy or to ensure parents sign the attendance register, although these are good practice.

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Improvements since the last inspection

The childminder has addressed the recommendation by providing paperwork and obtaining consents which include parental consents for outings and to seek emergency medical treatment. Paperwork is in place to administer medications and to record incidents. This promotes children's well-being and good health and ensures parents are well-informed about the agreements with the childminder. The childminder has also devised written policies and procedures which ensure parents are clear about the service she offers.

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Improvements since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since the last inspection there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that require the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure the attendance register is completed promptly to provide an accurate record.

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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